now 11 suspected pirates are facing justice in a virginia courtroom. brian wilson is live for us in washington, so why norfolk, virginia, brian? what's going on? >> reporter: well, it's because there are home ports for the ships that are involved. let me explain. the u.s. government has indicted and plans to prosecute 11 pirates they captured off the coast of somalia. they're preparing to be in court today. this is the courtroom in norfolk, virginia, after being held on u.s. ships for a week. charges include piracy, assault with dangerous weapons, conspiracy to use firearms and crimes of violence. you know, piracy, it's a tough issue for the u.s. goth. they want -- government. they want to do something about the lawless action of those thugs armed with small boats, ak-47s and rocket-propelled grenades who have a history of holding up merchant ships for millions in ransom. these are crimes, however, in search of a proper tribunal. who has jurisdiction? who has the authority to prosecute? at least 11 of these pirates, it appears, will be tried in norfolk